Page 289 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

She follows my gaze.

"You really believe that."

"I do."

She slips her arm through mine. "I used to think hockey made you extraordinary."

"And now?"

She smiles. "I think hockey simply introduced people to you."

For a moment I can't answer, because some how she always finds the words I've spent years looking for.

Before I can say anything, Mrs. Henderson appears carrying two paper cups. "I had a feeling neither of you remembered to eat."

She hands each of us a cup of popcorn.

Annette laughs. "Thank you."

Mrs. Henderson smiles knowingly. "Take care of this one." She nods toward me.

"He spends so much time looking after everyone else that somebody has to remember to look after him."

Annette reaches for my hand. "I can do that."

Mrs. Henderson smiles as though she never doubted it. "I was hoping you'd say that."

She wanders off toward the front office, humming to herself.

I watch her disappear before looking at Annette. "You know, I think she likes you."

Annette laughs. "I think your entire town has already decided I'm staying."

"They're an optimistic group."

She stops walking. "So am I."

The words settle between us with quiet certainty. No dramatic declaration. No fanfare. Just the simple confidence of a woman who has finally come home.

I look around the building one last time.

The lights are beginning to dim. Volunteers switch off classrooms one by one.

Children call goodbye from the parking lot. The day is ending.

I smile. "Ready?"

She nods. "Where to now?"

I hold the front door open for her. "The people who taught me everything worth knowing."

She smiles.

"Your parents."

"My parents."

As we climb into the truck, she reaches for my hand before I even start the engine.